Real Estate Agents Don’t Get the Picture
January 29, 2008
We have all seen them. Exterior shots of houses overshadowed by trees. Rooms filled with clutter. Too dark. Too bright. Just plain dumb.
Photos that eliminate the house from consideration before the home buyer logs off the computer.
Don’t know if we can educate the real estate industry… But, we can all have a good laugh.
Got a good caption for this one? Write it in the comments.
And, be sure to send us Photo Trash you find along the way.
How to Find the Best Place to Live in Atlanta – Part 6
January 29, 2008
Over the last few weeks we have raised several questions to guide the assessment of your priorities for your move. We thought it would be helpful to have them at hand. So, feel free to print them out and discuss around the dinner table.
Why are you considering a move or purchasing property at this time?
- Retirement
- Investment Property
- Proximity to Family
- Employment
- Improved Quality of Life
- Other __________
How often would you like to see family?
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Special Occasions
- Telephone or Email is Fine
How often would you like to see close friends?
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Special Occasions
- Telephone or Email is Fine
In terms of square footage, are you “downsizing” or “upsizing” and why?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
How important is reducing your cost of living?
- Very important
- Important
- Not important
What is your approximate housing budget?
- Less than $250,000?
- $250,000 – $350,000?
- $350,000 – $500,000?
- $500,000 – $700,000?
- $700,000 – $1,000,000?
- Over $1,000,000?
If you’re purchasing property for investment, how long do you plan to hold it?
- Less than 5 years
- 5 – 10 years
- More than 10 years
What type of housing are you looking for?
- Single-family
- Condominium or Townhouse
- Custom-built
- Spec-built
- New Construction
- Resale
What type of community interests you?
- Urban
- Suburban
- Private / Gated
- Family-friendly
- Age-specific
Rank what is important to you in a community from the following list:
Services
- Major Medical Center
- Shopping
- Places of Worship
- Colleges/Universities
Recreation
- Golf, Tennis, Swimming
- Walking, Hiking, Biking
- Kayaking, Boating, Fishing
- Professional/College Sports
- Civic/Social Groups
Cultural Events
- Theater
- Music
- Museums
- Fine Dining
What community amenities are important to you?
- Pool
- Fitness Center
- Tennis
- Clubhouse
- Golf
- Walking Trails
- Organized Activities
- Other ____________
Sharing your lifestyle with North Atlanta Realty Group helps us better serve in guiding your relocation. Drop us a note at any time.
Real Estate Media Reports: Is the Glass 8% Empty or 92% Full?
January 21, 2008
My real estate friends in Raleigh, North Carolina and Outer Banks, North Carolina have raised some interesting points about the continuing doom and gloom reports we see reported in the media.
I do not question that the housing and finance market statistics that are reported can be defended as accurate. However, you have to understand that the choice of the statistics to use creates the spin that supports a particular conclusion.
Are there serious problems in the mortgage industry today? Yes.
Are the supply and demand of the real estate market different from two years ago? Definitely, in many areas it has shifted in favor of the buyers, in some others it has shifted in favor of the sellers.
Does the bad news about financing and real estate overwhelmingly outweigh the good news? That depends on who is spinning the figures. If you look at the media, it is doom and gloom. If you look at the facts and figures, there is a lot of good news.
Read the rest of Tim’s article here…
How to Find the Best Place to Live in Atlanta – Part 5
January 21, 2008
Though housing is clearly the largest factor, Atlanta cost-of-living includes other factors as well. Relocation guides, such as Your Guide to Relocating to Metro Atlanta, a service of North Atlanta Realty Group, provide a wealth of information on lifestyle, entertainment, transportation, etc. A valuable online source for comparative information is bestplaces.net
These types of relocation guides provide valuable information, but they won’t help you anticipate new, sometimes major outlays, such as carrying costs or property owner fees.
What is your approximate housing budget?
- Less than $250,000?
- $250,000 – $350,000?
- $350,000 – $500,000?
- $500,000 – $700,000?
- $700,000 – $1,000,000?
- Over $1,000,000?
It’s important to ask North Atlanta Realty Group a lot of questions as you prepare for your move to Atlanta. We are experts in providing peace of mind as you prepare for your move.
How to Find the Best Place to Live in Atlanta – Part 4
January 14, 2008
With words like “upsize” and “downsize” having recently entered the popular lexicon, and with Atlanta new home construction at an all-time high, being realistic about your housing needs – and overall living expenses – is also important.
Think about the home you now live in:
- What is its current market value?
- What is your equity?
- How large is your home – in square feet, number of bedrooms, kitchen, etc.?
- Is it too large or too small?
- Are you looking to “downsize” or “upsize”?
Comparatively speaking, home costs in Atlanta are less than they are in California, the Northeast and Midwest.
Establishing a realistic budget or consulting a mortgage consultant may help in regard to finances.
Cobb County Homestead Exemptions Due March 1
January 11, 2008
Homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption for this tax year and may apply for homestead exemptions by mail. Applications must be received or U.S. postmarked (a metered postmark is not accepted as proof of timely mailing) by March 1 to receive the benefit of the exemption for that year.
Homeowners must apply for all exemptions for which they are eligible; thereafter, exemptions are automatically renewed each year unless there is a change in ownership or eligibility requirements are no longer met. It is not necessary to reapply if the home has been refinanced.
The applicant’s name must appear on the deed and they must occupy the property by January 1 of the taxable year in order to qualify. Most new property owners will receive an application by mail at the first of the year.
Application forms and information are available at the city’s Web site, mariettaga.gov, or by calling 770-794-5680.
Cobb County homestead exemption information is available at cobbtax.org or 770-528-8600.
How to Find the Best Place to Live in Atlanta – Part 3
January 8, 2008
Strong social support is important for a successful relocation to Atlanta. We will pose several questions as we strengthen our relationship.
- What is the level of social support in your current location?
- What is your level of involvement in your current community?
- How would you go about creating a new circle of friends in Atlanta?
- When have you done this in the past?
- What are the interests you will form new relationships around?
- What type of community interests you?
Taking time to fully explore these questions will better enable you to determine the right Atlanta location for you.
Where to Find a Jewish Community Center in Alpharetta
January 3, 2008
The question of the day: “Is there a Jewish Community Center in Alpharetta?”
A Google search led us to a 1999 article in the Jewish Times that addressed the metro Atlanta growth in real estate and the growth of the Jewish community. The article mentioned the desire to buy property at the corner of State Bridge and Kimball Bridge roads.
We also found a call to action for support of the zoning application necessary to rezone the two acres of land at State Bridge and Kimball Bridge roads.
Does anyone out there have an answer to this question? Our buyers relocating to Atlanta from Florida want your responses.
-
Search Listings
Contact us today. Before you know it, you'll be the confident owner of the perfect home for your needs - in less time than if you searched on your own.
Mortgage Calculator
